Razorbacks Ground Pilots in Exhibition Victory

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UA Sports Information)- Arkansas didnt connect on many threes against LSU-Shreveport on Saturday, but the Razorbacks made sure the high-scoring Pilots didnt shoot much better in rolling to a 120-79 exhibition game victory. LSUS came in 2-0 on the year and was averaging 135.5 points per game with a lot of those points coming from behind the arc. The Pilots took 41 threes Saturday but connected on only 10 in a fast-paced game, including only two-of-19 in the second period. LSUS made three threes in the first three minutes of the game and led 13-10 early. Arkansas scored 14 of the next 16 points to go up by nine on two Sean McCurdy free throws before another three pulled the Pilots within 24-21 at the 13-minute mark. The Razorbacks, who topped Southwest (Mo.) Baptist, 86-49, in their other exhibition game on Nov. 4, scored the next 13 points and took control at 37-21. UA pushed the lead to 58-33, but Josh Porter hit two threes and Anton Palmer another within 31 seconds to cut the margin to 60-42. In the second half, Fredericko Payne, a preseason All-American, hit a three, made a steal and drained another trey to get the Pilots within 74-58 with 13:55 left. Arkansas responded with a 6-0 run and the lead never dipped below 20 the rest of the way. A Darian Townes dunk gave Arkansas a 100-70 lead with 7:01 to go and a Sammy Munsey layup made it 113-75 with 2:06 left. Eric Ferguson (broken nose) and Steven Hill (ankle) were held out of the game, but the other 10 Hogs played at least six minutes. Arkansas made just two-of-14 threes, but shot 59.2 percent overall from the floor (45-76). Jonathon Modica led the way, connecting on 10-of-16 shots and going seven-of-11 at the line for 28 points. Townes was 10-of-14 for 25 points. Modica, who also had five assists, and Townes tied for game-high rebounding honors with 11 each. Charles Thomas hit 10-of-12 shots, and had 24 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Ronnie Brewer had 15 points, five rebounds and six assists, and Sean McCurdy had 13 points and five assists. Dontell Jefferson had seven assists and four steals. Porter led the Pilots with 21 points on six-of-19 shots, including six-of-18 threes. Jeremy Johnson had 15 points and Payne was limited to 14 points on four-of-16 shooting, including two-of-12 on threes. Arkansas opens its season Friday at 7:05 p.m. at home against defending Big Sky Conference champion Portland State.